We've asked our readers to give us their vision for Christchurch. Hugo Kristinsson share his views.

We need to make Christchurch unique, attractive and fun to live in.

Most of the heritage buildings that gave Christchurch its special character are now gone.

Christchurch has lost much but it has also gained something. We need to embrace what is unique about the city. We now have a perfect opportunity to transform our surroundings because they are greener than ever before.

My vision for the future would include turning the Avon River and the red zones along the river into a major tourist attraction. It should include reconstructed elements of Ngai Tahu's history, and of early colonial settlement in Christchurch.

Belt-driven boats could be used for public transport and scenic tours, which could include a video screen showing pre-earthquake buildings and the history of earthquakes. A narration of the city's history could be combined with advertisements for upcoming events.

Such tours could operate all the way from the CBD to the estuary with various stops along the Avon. Some areas might be widened to allow boats to pass in two directions.

Where land allows, parts of red zone areas could be excavated and boat sheds, floating restaurants and coffee houses built on them. Local wine and food industries could play a part here in the form of investment.

A slow boat day tour down the river could include meals and local wine tasting.

The idea could be expanded to include bird watching tours along the estuary, a Hobbit village, an auditorium for local artists, etc.

A predator-free wildlife habitat could be established along the river, with protected areas and suitable vegetation to attract native birdlife back to the city.

This would spread the tourist dollar around the city and unite the river communities.

The communities along the river could be engaged in their local area and help with planting of native fauna, giving them ownership and local identity as a part of the project.